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My Wishes for the Winter Meetings

This year's edition of the Winter Meetings has already met and exceeded the expectations set by last year's (think The Terminator compared to Terminator 2).

With a flurry of activity after Day One which actually involved the Blue Jays as we progress into Day Two, there could be even more action on the horizon.

I know they say it's bad luck to say what your birthday wishes are out loud, but what the hell ... I'm going to do it anyway.

Wish Number One: for the Zack Greinke/Blue Jays rumors to stop

I don't mean to insult the intelligence of Alex Anthopoulous, but I would hope that he doesn't have tunnel vision on Zack Greinke and is willing to give up Travis Snider and Kyle Drabek for him. A move like that seems especially counterproductive now that the Blue Jays have parted with Shaun Marcum.

Admittedly, like most homegrown talent I tend to overvalue Toronto's prospects compared to other teams, but there's no chance that Zack Greinke = Shaun Marcum + Kyle Drabek ... because that's essentially the move AA would be making if the Blue Jays go after Greinke.

Wish Number Two: figure out the first base situation

For some reason or another, having the first base situation up in the air at this point is the biggest question mark, position-wise in my opinion.

Third base isn't necessarily as big of an issue because Jose Bautista or Aaron Hill could slide over to the hot corner if need be.

The Blue Jays are apparently very interested in Carlos Pena, which in the surface appeared like a great idea, until Parkes pointed out that his on base percentage has steadily declined since 2004.

The only saving grace is Toronto may be able to get Pena on the cheap due to his horrid 2010 season, and maybe they can hope Carlos could find his second wind with the Blue Jays and put up another 2007-like season.

Wish Number Three: stop with the euphemisms already

I don't know why, but for some reason at this year's edition of the Winter Meetings, they are laying on the euphemisms especially thick. Every time I check MLB Trade Rumors, I can't help but giggle when skimming through the headlines.

Phrases like "in hard", "deeply interested" and "pushing hard" are making me question whether these are the MLB Winter Meetings or an adult film shoot.

I agree with your Grienke comment, however I think signing Carlos Pena would be a nice buy low opportunity. He had a .222 BABIP last year, well below his career .279 average, so you can pretty much bank on his OBP to go up at least 30 points next season. Also this guy plays great defense and don't forget he led the AL in home runs in 2009 (which would mean the Jays would have the 09 and 10 home run champs).

My wish list would include:- Yonder Alonso from Cincinnati- not spending a lot of money on a closer- Alex Gordon from KC (if it doesn't cost much to get him)- Aaron Hill to stay at 2B (I do not get this 3B nonsense)

As an amendment to your Greinke wish, I would like for the rumors to continue, provided that the rumors become more 'logical':

As per the wonderful 5th starters recent analysis of surplus value in Players (YAY ME!) Greinke is worth about $33 Million. Or, about Drabek+Stewart, or Stewart+Deck (PTBNL) etc. If the Royals want 3 prospects, They would have to take less quality to compensate, i.e. Drabek+Marisnick+Jenkins etc.

Then I might be okay with the rumors. Also, if he were to sign an extension as part of the process, his value would increase, and a higher prospect might be worth sacrificing.

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About the Blue Jay Hunter

The Blue Jay Hunter is a blog about the Toronto Blue Jays, which takes a look at the team under the microscope. Mixed in with just a hint of humour, and a shred of dignity. I also have an affinity for baseball moustaches.